Ariana Grande, Sebastian Stan, & Aubrey Plaza Join the Academy – But Where's Karla Sofía Gascón?
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced a fresh wave of new members, and the lineup is certainly generating buzz. Pop superstar Ariana Grande, known for her role in the upcoming Wicked film, has been invited to join the prestigious organization. Alongside her, actor Sebastian Stan, who recently captivated audiences with his portrayal of Donald Trump in The Apprentice, will also be contributing to the Oscar selection process. Adding to the excitement, the darkly comedic Aubrey Plaza, celebrated for her roles in Parks and Recreation and White Lotus, completes this high-profile trio.
However, the news isn’t without its controversy. A notable omission from the Academy's invitations is Karla Sofía Gascón, the breakout star of the critically acclaimed Spanish-language film Emilia Perez. Gascón's performance as a transgender woman who discovers she’s pregnant has been lauded by critics and audiences alike, earning her significant awards attention and positioning her as a potential contender for Best Actress.
The exclusion of Gascón has sparked a debate within the film community about diversity and representation within the Academy. Many are questioning why a performance so widely praised and culturally significant was overlooked, especially given the Academy’s stated commitment to inclusivity. While the Academy invites hundreds of new members each year, the decisions regarding who receives an invitation carry significant weight and influence the future of the Oscars.
The inclusion of Grande, Stan, and Plaza undoubtedly brings fresh perspectives and a broader audience reach to the Academy. Grande’s massive fanbase could potentially boost the visibility of the Oscars, while Stan’s versatility and Plaza’s unique acting style add valuable artistic voices to the selection process. However, the absence of Gascón highlights the ongoing challenges the Academy faces in ensuring a truly representative membership that reflects the diversity of the global film landscape.
This situation underscores the importance of continued advocacy for inclusivity in Hollywood and the need for institutions like the Academy to actively address concerns about representation. The 2026 Oscars are still a ways off, but the discussions sparked by these invitations are already shaping the conversation around the future of the awards and the evolving landscape of the film industry. Will this lead to a reevaluation of the Academy's invitation process, or will it be seen as an isolated incident?
Only time will tell, but one thing is clear: the Academy’s choices have far-reaching consequences, and the spotlight is now firmly fixed on their commitment to diversity and recognizing exceptional talent, regardless of background or language.